Fraud Detection in Batches of Sweet Almonds by Portable Near-Infrared Spectral Devices

One of the key challenges for the almond industry is how to detect the presence of bitter almonds in commercial batches of sweet almonds. The main aim of this research is to assess the potential of near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) by means of using portable instruments in the industry to detect batches of sweet almonds which have been adulterated with bitter almonds. To achieve this, sweet almonds and non-sweet almonds (bitter almonds and mixtures of sweet almonds with different percentages (from 5% to 20%) of bitter almonds) were analysed using a new generation of portable spectrophotometers. Three strategies (only bitter almonds, bitter almonds and mixtures, and only mixtures) were used to optimise the construction of the non-sweet almond training set. Models developed using partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) correctly classified 86–100% of samples, depending on the instrument used and the strategy followed for constructing the non-sweet almond training set. These results confirm that NIR spectroscopy provides a reliable, accurate method for detecting the presence of bitter almonds in batches of sweet almonds, with up to 5% adulteration levels (lower levels should be tested in future studies), and that this technology can be readily used at the main steps of the production chain.

Application of poly (Agar-co-Glycerol-co-Sweet Almond Oil) based organohydrogels as a Drug Delivery Material

In this study, it was aimed to investigate the synthesis, characterization and drug release behaviors of organohydrogels containing pH-sensitive Agar (A), Glycerol (G), Sweet Almond oil (SAO). Organohydrogels, which contained Agar, Glycerol and different amounts of Sweet Almond oil, were synthesized via the free-radical polymerization reaction with emulsion technique using glutaraldehyde or methylene bis acrylamide crosslinkers. Then, the degree of swelling, bond structures, blood compatibility and antioxidant properties of the synthesized organohydrogels were examined. In addition, Organohydrogels which loaded with Ceftriaxone (antibiotic) and Oxaliplatin (an anti-cancer agent), were synthesized with the same polymerization reaction and release kinetics were investigated. In vitro release studies were performed at media similar pH to gastric fluid (pH 2), skin surface (pH 5.5), blood fluid (pH 7.4) and intestinal fluid (pH 8), at 37° C. The effects on release of crosslinker type and sweet almond oil amount were investigated. Kinetic parameters were determined using release results and these results were applied to zero and first-order equations and Korsmeyer-Peppas and Higuchi equations. Diffusion exponential was calculated for drug diffusion of organohydrogels and values consistent with release results were found.

Application of Newly Synthesized Sulfobetaine Based on Sweet Almond Oil in Bath Liquids for Sensitive Skin

Three formulations for bath liquids were developed, differing in the type of amphoteric surfactant applied. The formulations used Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Cocamidpropyl Hydroxide and newly synthesized sulfobetaine based on sweet almond oil (Oleicamidopropyl Sultaine). The molecular structure of the surfactant used in the manufactured formulations has a negatively charged sulfonate group and a positively charged quaternary nitrogen atom. Such molecular structures suggest that the functional properties of this substance are mild. Based on the research, it was found that the bath fluid containing the newly synthesized sulfobetaine based on sweet almond oil had the lowest zein number, the lowest pH increase of bovine albumin solution and the lowest ability to emulsify fatty dirt. This indicates a very low irritant effect of the tested bath liquid.

Development of a Scar Removal Ointment Containing Natural Active Ingredients

Aims: The present study aimed to evaluate the healing effect of five new dermal ointments made with natural ingredients, derived from the Ficus microcarpa fruit, Pulicaria odora L. leaf powder, vaseline, lanolin, and sweet almond oil on thermal burns of New Zealand rabbits. Background: Many natural ingredients are used as alternatives in topical burn wound treatments. However, the effectiveness of an ointment is primarily assessed on the basis of the healing time. The latter depends on the synergetic effect resulting from the interaction of its different constituents. Hence there is the need to explore different formulations to find the most optimal one. Objectives: 1/ To evaluate some biochemical compositions, biological properties, and functional quality of F. microcarpa fruit and P. odora L. leaf powder., 2/ To identify the best combination between the F. microcarpa fruit, P. odora L. leaf powder, vaseline, lanolin, and sweet almond oil to obtain an ointment with high healing quality. Method: Ten (10) New Zealand rabbits (5 males and 5 females) received two thermal burns caused by a hot cylindrical metal on their backs. Each rabbit was treated immediately thereafter with one of the elaborated ointments and with a commercial skin ointment Madecassol (reference). All the ointments were applied topically every other day until a complete epithelialization takes place. Evaluation of the healing process was based on the healing time and diameter narrowing calculated every seven days. Results: The obtained results show that all the developed ointments used in the experiments lead to total recovery with fur growth. However, the healing time varies from one formula to another. Conclusion: The study concludes that the combination of the natural active ingredients used in this study promotes burn wound healing in the rabbit’s model.

Effect of Foliar Application of Siliceous Nanomaterial on Photosynthesis Performance in Sweet Almond (Prunus dulci)

Siliceous natural nanomaterials, i.e., diatomaceous earth and natural zeolites, are biorational products, generally recognized as safe (GRAS) due to their large utilization as dietary supplement [1] and food/feed additive [2]. [...]